Final answer:
Gilbert M. Anderson, known for his role as 'Broncho Billy,' is remembered as the first action star of the sound era. His influence paved the way for future action films and stars. The sound era began with the movie 'The Jazz Singer' in 1927, marking a significant shift in filmmaking and the advent of new cinematic genres.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first action star of the sound era is often considered to be Gilbert M. Anderson, also known as 'Broncho Billy.' He was an iconic figure in the Western genre, and with his portrayal of 'Broncho Billy' in over 300 short films, he set the stage for the action stars that followed. The transition to the sound era began with the release of The Jazz Singer in 1927, indicating a shift in the film industry and the types of roles available to actors.
Action films, since then, have been popular with audiences, featuring plots revolving around a hero combatting a group of villains— a narrative style exemplified by the 1988 movie Die Hard starring Bruce Willis. Over the years, several actors like John Wayne have also been pivotal in defining the action genre through various patriotic war movies.
While other film genres such as science fiction have evolved over time with advancements in special effects, especially in franchises like Star Trek, action films have maintained a steady prominence in Hollywood, continually reinventing themselves and introducing new stars to carry the legacy of early action heroes like Gilbert M. Anderson.